Film and video editors put together into a cohesive story the footage that the directors shoot. Editors may work on motion pictures, television shows, commercials, music videos, news stories, or any kind of filmed entertainment. Sample job titles include: editor, news editor, video editor, videographer, news video editor, news videotape editor, non-linear editor, multimedia artist, production manager, and tape editor. Now virtually all editing is done digitally. Even when something is shot on film or tape it is converted to a digital format for editing and then usually converted back to the original medium.

Average Salary:

$50,560

Average Hours (per week):

Hours of work and working schedules for editors vary considerably. Those employed by television and cable networks or advertising agencies may work long hours to meet production schedules. ENG (electronic news gathering) operators often work long, irregular hours and must be available to work on short notice. Editors working in motion picture production also may work long, irregular hours.

Union:

Editors in many markets are covered by NABET and the International Cinematographers Guild.

Certifications:

None

Training Period:

Editors usually acquire their skills through formal post-secondary training at film schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. A bachelor’s degree is required for most positions. Work as an editor’s assistant is valuable in learning the trade. Editors must be both extremely organized and very creative. They usually have a complete understanding of filmmaking as well as a good understanding of all of the post-production techniques such as sound editing and mixing, color correcting, special effects, and similar specialties.

Strongest Market(s):

In 2008, there were 25,500 jobs as editors. Over 37 percent of the salaried editors work in the motion picture and video industry while 18 percent work in television broadcasting. Most editors work in large metropolitan areas.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $11.85 to $15.90 per hour.

Top Salary:

$112,410

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be average over the next decade, at 7 percent to 13 percent.

Related posts:

1. Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture
2. Editors
3. Video Symphony – TV and Film Editing
4. Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
5. Authors and Writers